For the Philadelphia Phoenix, the word ‘continuity’ has been used repeatedly as a compliment to the returning coaches and players from one of the best seasons in recent years. After all, the 2018 version made opponents earn each victory, and the Phoenix were knocking on the door of playoffs until late in the season. In this sense continuity is good, but it does not mean fans coming to A.A. Garthwaite Stadium this season will not see anything new in 2019.
Offensively, the Phoenix have taken continuity to an entirely new level. The team has partnered with the Philadelphia Open Program (POP) to help accelerate the learning process, incorporating some of its terminology and systems players use on POP club teams. This has allowed the Phoenix to get a playbook out to its players far in advance to previous seasons, signaling that smoothly rehearsed systems can be expected even in early games.
Individually, the addition of veteran handler Billy Sickles will have an immediate impact. Opposing defenses will have to decide if their best defender will cover him or superstar Sean Mott. Not taking into account less-heralded players like Ryan Weaver, who’s throws will make AUDL teams take notice in 2019.
Defensively, the Phoenix continuity has led to players completely buying-in on everything the team is attempting, from old tried-and-true ultimate defenses to a few surprises the AUDL may not have seen before. The Phoenix have revamped their person-to-person, zone and junk defenses, the latter two of which the team has rarely utilized in the past. Continuity has also led to fostering an atmosphere of trust, allowing everyone to be on the same page, and in combination with their talent and skill makes them well matched with each team in their conference.
In stark contrast, the DC Breeze seem to be turning a new leaf in 2019. In their premier against the New York Empire last weekend, half of the Breeze roster was comprised of AUDL rookies. The Phoenix take the field for their first game of 2019 as they travel to take on the Breeze this Saturday April 20 in Washington, DC. All away games will be available to stream with a subscription to AUDL.tv. The team returns to Philadelphia Saturday April 27 for their home opening game against the New York Empire at 6 p.m. at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium in Conshohocken.
For the first time in a long time the Phoenix have an identity in more ways than one. “This is what we do” has become somewhat of a mantra, and the presence of continuity has galvanized the team. This in combination with one of the deepest rosters the team has ever fielded could go a long way in helping the Phoenix reach their goals in 2019 – it is the year to RISE UP.
